The Armed Forces of Nigeria recorded “significant and far-reaching operational successes” across all theatres between 18 and 25 June 2026, the Defence Headquarters said Thursday.
In a press release signed by the Director Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja on Friday said the military detailed gains in counter-terrorism, anti-banditry, anti-kidnapping, and economic sabotage interdiction operations nationwide.
North East: Surrenders, Rescues in Borno
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI reported multiple rescues and surrenders in Borno State. On 19 June, two teenage girls believed to be relatives of terrorists surrendered to troops at Pulka, Gwoza LGA, citing “sustained military pressure” and lack of supplies in terrorist camps.
Same day, troops rescued two women and three children abducted in a March 2026 attack on Ngoshe community. On 21 June, a patrol to Jemu in Kukawa LGA recovered 27 surrendered terrorists and family members — 12 adults and 15 children — who were airlifted to Maiduguri for medical care and processing. Troops also rescued eight more escapees that day, including a toddler and a widow of a Civilian Joint Task Force member killed in the March attack.
On 18 June, troops repelled a coordinated attack on multiple locations in Buratai District, Biu LGA, recovering an AK-47 rifle and over 200 rounds of ammunition. On 24 June, 53 civilians and eight hijacked vehicles were rescued along the Buratai-Kamuya road. Two suspected terrorist spies were neutralized at Banki, Bama LGA, on 22 June while attempting to cross the border fence to monitor troops.
North West: Bandit Hideouts Raided, Arms Seized
Operation FANSAN YAMMA troops arrested four suspected terrorists in Birnin Magaji LGA, Zamfara State, on 20 June. They also foiled a planned attack on Gamdanda village, Gummi LGA, recovering an AK-47, ammunition, eight motorcycles, and supplies.
Three suspects linked to terrorist activities were arrested at Gusau International Airport the same day during pilgrim flight processing.
Raids in Kano and Katsina States between 21 and 22 June led to the neutralization of four bandits and the recovery of two PKT machine guns, 75 rounds of NATO-linked ammunition, motorcycles, and camouflage uniforms. An ambush in Shinkafi LGA, Zamfara, on 23 June yielded a PKT gun, motorcycles, chains used on kidnap victims, and eight pairs of military uniforms.
North Central: Kidnappers Neutralized, Arms Courier Intercepted
Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD troops neutralized two kidnappers in a forest hideout in Obafemi Owode LGA, Ogun State, on 24 June after a kidnapping at Ogbe village. A single-barrel gun, cartridges, phones, and ₦2.2 million cash were recovered.
Operation ENDURING PEACE troops arrested a suspected terrorist at a checkpoint in Gwagwalada Area Council on 21 June. Forensic checks on his phones revealed photos of him and others with arms, ammunition, and large cash sums.
Operation WHIRL STROKE troops intercepted a vehicle on the Sokoto-Kano highway on 21 June, recovering two AK-47 rifles, nine magazines, 67 rounds of ammunition, two Beretta pistols, radios, and camouflage jackets. In Nasarawa State, a suspect was arrested on 22 June with 174 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition on the Toto-Abaji road.
South-South: Major Oil Theft Disruptions, Kidnappers Nabbed
Operation DELTA SAFE troops hit illegal refining networks in Rivers State. On 19 June, NNS PATHFINDER intercepted a wooden boat at APS Limited Jetty, Woji, with 375 sacks containing about 103,500 litres of suspected illegally refined diesel. On 22 June, NNS SOROH seized 63,290 litres of illegal diesel in the Orashi Forest, Abua-Odua LGA.
Also on 22 June, troops intercepted a truck with 45,000 litres of suspected adulterated diesel along the Itu-Calabar road in Akwa Ibom State.
Two suspected kidnappers were arrested in Akoko-Edo LGA, Edo State, after being identified by a victim abducted in May. Syringes and tablets found on them suggest chemical incapacitation of victims. Two other kidnap victims were freed on 23 June in Uhiere Forest, Ovia North-East LGA. A joint raid on 25 June in Ikom LGA, Cross River State, led to three arrests and recovery of Dane guns, a pistol, and cartridges.
South East: IPOB/ESN Fighters Killed, Arms Recovered
Operation UDO KA troops and vigilantes cleared criminal camps along the Imo-Rivers boundary on 18 June. A logistics courier arrested during the op attempted to escape and was neutralized.
On 23 June, troops engaged IPOB/ESN members in police and military uniforms along the Ogboji-Ajali road, Orumba South LGA, Anambra State. Three were neutralized. Troops recovered a PKM machine gun, two AK-47 rifles, 42 rounds of ammunition, four IEDs, a Toyota Sienna, 10 Android phones, and police uniforms.
Air Strikes in Kaduna
The Nigerian Air Force conducted strikes in Kaduna State. On 19 June, terrorists on motorcycles in Yadi Forest, Giwa LGA, were tracked to a hideout and neutralized. On 22 June, air assets supported troops in Kidandan, neutralizing four terrorists. DHQ said local communities have praised the air operations for disrupting terrorist movement in Giwa.
CDS Commends Troops, Civilians
Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, commended troops’ “gallantry and discipline” and thanked civilian communities, the Civilian Joint Task Force, vigilantes, and other security agencies for their cooperation and intelligence.
“The achievements of the period reflect the steady and irreversible degradation of criminal and terrorist organizations in the country,” Maj. Gen. Onoja said. He added that the AFN will “sustain and intensify its operational tempo” until all theatres are stabilized and displaced persons return home.
